Hachi Karē-ya!
Katsu curry with an omelette-y surprise!
- Alameda (Linha Verde)
- €€
- Av. Alm. Reis 164C, 1900-118
I recently read an article about the joy of chain restaurants, where one reviewer extolled the virtues of UK high street favourite, Wagamama. I am in full agreement. The instant familiarity of the chicken katsu curry and the yaki soba brings joy to my heart. So when we heard there was a small chain in Lisbon specialising in katsu curry, we were there quicker than I could say “anyone fancy sharing some edamame?”.
The weather was even giving off proper ‘November in London’ vibes as we ran in from the rain to find a cute, small, warm space that was lovely and quiet at lunchtime. Two on-tap Asahi imperials with some delicious plates of fried chicken and saucy BBQ ribs were the perfect start while we perused the menu.
Then came the mains - and this is where things got particularly interesting for all you Wagamama fans out there. The chicken katsu curry - fruity, delicious, creamy, spicy, you know the drill. It did not disappoint. But wait - is that..mashed potato on the side? No! Hachi Karē-ya’s speciality is a mound of rice, covered by an omelette! Yummy and fun. And what about their prawn noodles - did they match up to my beloved shrimp yaki soba? Absolutely they did. The service was fast, the setting was perfect, the Asahi and the food was delicious, and we took a box of leftovers home for just €18 each.
Is it cheese? Is it mashed potato? Or is it….rice covered with an omelette!
Don’t forget to order: Torikatsu chicken - €11